Fight for My Way (Series)

Fight for My Way (Korean: 쌈, 마이웨이; RR: Ssam, Maiwei) is a South Korean television drama in the romantic comedy and youth genres. The series was released in 2017, directed by Lee Na-jeong and written by Im Sang-choon. The main cast includes Park Seo-joon, Kim Ji-won, Ahn Jae-hong, and Song Ha-yoon.

The series centers on four friends who, despite having grand ambitions in their youth, find themselves working ordinary jobs in adulthood as they struggle to achieve their dreams. The production explores themes such as career, friendship, love, and societal expectations, and gained significant popularity both in South Korea and among international audiences during its broadcast.

Fight for My Way is a romantic comedy drama that focuses on the economic, social, and personal challenges faced by individuals transitioning into adulthood. The story follows characters who do not conform to society’s definitions of success but persistently pursue their own dreams.

In addition to romantic relationships, the series delves into themes such as career struggles, lack of self-confidence, fear of failure, and personal growth. Rather than merely telling a romantic story, it reflects the real-life challenges experienced by young adults in contemporary South Korean society.

The production has drawn attention particularly for its natural dialogue among the main characters and its realistic portrayal of everyday life. Throughout the series, the characters’ personal development and their efforts to achieve their goals form the core of the narrative.

Fight for My Way premiered on Korean Broadcasting System (KBS2) on 22 May 2017 and concluded on 11 July 2017.

Comprising a total of 16 episodes, the series achieved high viewership ratings during its run and became especially popular among younger audiences. After its broadcast, it reached international viewers through various digital platforms and emerged as one of the most prominent Korean dramas in many countries.

The success of the drama is regarded as a pivotal moment in the careers of its lead actors. In particular, Park Seo-joon’s performance is considered one of the most standout roles of his career.

^{Ko Dong-man} (IMDb)

The series centers on the story of Ko Dong-man and Choi Ae-ra, who have been friends since childhood.

Ko Dong-man was a promising taekwondo athlete in his youth but was unable to continue his sports career due to various reasons. In adulthood, he works ordinary jobs and leads a life far removed from his former dreams.

Choi Ae-ra dreamed of becoming a television presenter but has not achieved this goal. She currently works in customer service at a store and strives to advance her career.

Their close friends, Kim Joo-man and Baek Seol-hee, are struggling with various issues in their long-term relationship.

Throughout the story, the characters strive to achieve their career goals while confronting personal challenges. Over time, the friendship between Dong-man and Ae-ra begins to develop into a romantic relationship.

Ko Dong-man: The main character, a former taekwondo athlete who dreams of becoming a mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter. Portrayed by Park Seo-joon.

^{Choi Ae-ra} (IMDb)

Choi Ae-ra: A strong-willed and determined young woman who aspires to become a television presenter. Portrayed by Kim Ji-won.

Kim Joo-man: A young man working at a large company and striving to advance in his career. Portrayed by Ahn Jae-hong.

Baek Seol-hee: Kim Joo-man’s long-term girlfriend. Portrayed by Song Ha-yoon.

Park Hye-ran: Dong-man’s former girlfriend. Portrayed by Lee Elijah.

Kim Tak-soo: A successful fighter and Dong-man’s former rival. Portrayed by Kim Gun-woo.

The screenplay was written by Im Sang-choon, who later also wrote the drama When the Camellia Blooms.

Lee Na-jeong served as director. During production, great emphasis was placed on realistically portraying the characters’ daily lives and relationships.

The neighborhood settings and scenes of everyday life used in the series are regarded as key elements that support the show’s authentic and intimate atmosphere.

Fight for My Way explores the struggle of individuals to realize their personal goals in the face of societal expectations. Throughout the series, themes such as career success, economic hardship, lack of self-confidence, and the responsibilities of adulthood are examined.

The production also addresses relationships that evolve from friendship to romance, the challenges that arise in long-term romantic partnerships, and individual growth processes. The characters’ determination not to abandon their dreams is one of the central narrative elements of the series.

^{Ko Dong-man and Choi Ae-ra} (IMDb)

Fight for My Way received numerous nominations and won several awards during its broadcast period.

• KBS Drama Awards: Multiple awards and nominations
• Baeksang Arts Awards: Nominations in television categories
• Seoul International Drama Awards: Various nominations

In particular, the performances of Park Seo-joon and Kim Ji-won were widely praised by critics and viewers.^【1】